Marsden on Collisions at Sea

Overview of "Marsden and Gault on Collisions at Sea"

Authors and Editions: The book "Marsden and Gault on Collisions at Sea" is a comprehensive guide to maritime law, specifically focusing on collisions at sea. The 15th edition, published in 2021, is authored by Reginald Godfrey Marsden, Simon Gault, Steven J. Hazelwood, and Andrew M. Tettenborn.

Key Themes:

1. Jurisdiction and Liability: The book delves into the jurisdiction of English courts and liability in both tort and contract law, as well as liability under statute.
2. Regulations and Conventions: It provides a detailed examination of regulations for preventing collisions at sea, including the Collision Regulations annotated. It also covers new international conventions such as those on Hazardous and Noxious substances and Civil Liability.
3. Salvage and General Average: The book discusses salvage and general average, including the awards system of salvage arbitrators.
4. Oil Pollution and Defences: It covers oil pollution and various defences in maritime law cases.
5. Damages and Limitation of Liability: The text includes a thorough analysis of damages and limitation of liability in maritime collisions.
6. Foreign Law and Practice: It also explores foreign law and practice, as well as the procedural aspects of maritime law cases, including costs and criminal liability.

Critical Reception:

• Established Authority: The book is recognized as the undisputed authority in its field of maritime law, particularly in the area of collisions at sea.
• Comprehensive Appendices: The 15th edition includes comprehensive appendices covering all core areas of Merchant Shipping Regulations, making it a ready reference for practitioners dealing with collision cases.
• Recent Case Law and Regulatory Developments: The new edition contains substantial commentary on recent legislation and case law from leading shipping law practitioners and academics, such as Professor Andrew Tettenborn and Simon Gault.
• Review of Previous Editions: The 14th edition was well-received, with a reviewer noting that despite the book being an established work, significant changes in maritime law necessitated a thorough review of the new edition.

Plot Summary:

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather serves as a detailed guide to the legal aspects of collisions at sea. It provides an in-depth examination of the legal framework governing maritime collisions, including jurisdiction, liability, regulations, and procedural aspects. The text is structured around a detailed analysis of various legal topics, making it a valuable resource for practitioners and scholars in the field of maritime law.

Conclusion:

"Marsden and Gault on Collisions at Sea" is a seminal work in maritime law, offering comprehensive coverage of the legal aspects related to collisions at sea. Its 15th edition, with contributions from leading experts, ensures that it remains a trusted authority in the field, providing practitioners with a thorough guide to recent case law and regulatory developments.